Job Description
The City of Cape Town is inviting applications for Seasonal Beach Lifeguard positions within the Recreation and Parks Department.
The swimming season starts in September 2026 and ends in April 2027, with the high season starting on 01 December 2026.
Successful candidates will be appointed on a non-permanent seasonal contract basis and will work on an as-and-when-required basis for up to a maximum payment of 40 hours per week. Work will mainly take place over weekends, public holidays, school holidays, and festive season periods.
The successful candidates will perform lifeguarding duties as part of a team at designated beaches or tidal pools. The role focuses on water safety, rescue support, first aid, public education, beach patrols, and promoting the professional image of the City of Cape Town.
Position Details
- Position: Seasonal Beach Lifeguard
- Company: City of Cape Town
- Directorate: Community Services and Health
- Department: Recreation and Parks
- Reference Number: RP 12/26
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
- Pay Scale: Task Level T5/6
- Salary: R100.07 per hour
- Contract Type: Non-permanent Seasonal Contract
- Season: September 2026 to April 2027
- High Season Starts: 01 December 2026
- Working Hours: As-and-when-required, up to a maximum payment of 40 hours per week
Responsibilities
- Perform lifeguarding duties at a designated beach or tidal pool.
- Conduct and assist with rescues.
- Render first aid when required.
- Follow procedures for tower, radio, lookout, support, and patrol lifeguard duties.
- Complete incident report sheets.
- Perform administrative functions linked to lifeguarding duties.
- Set out the bathing area.
- Promote beach safety.
- Communicate and educate the public about the City’s drowning prevention programme.
- Actively patrol the beach.
- Monitor beach activities and report regularly to the Senior Lifeguard.
- Take care of lost children and work with Law Enforcement to reunite them with parents.
- Follow instructions from the Senior Lifeguard.
- Comply with all rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Uphold the professional image of the Department and the City of Cape Town.
Requirements
Applicants must have at least one of the following:
- Grade 10 report and 6 months’ voluntary duties with a Surf Lifesaving Club, or previous experience working one season as a temporary or seasonal Beach Lifeguard.
- An equivalent Grade 10 qualification and 6 months’ voluntary duties with a Surf Lifesaving Club, or previous experience working one season as a temporary or seasonal Beach Lifeguard.
- A minimum of 5 years’ lifesaving experience while in possession of a Lifeguard Award with valid annual retests.
Applicants must also have:
- Valid Surf Lifeguard Award, Rescue Swimmer Award, or equivalent with current annual retest.
- Clear criminal record.
- No pending criminal cases, awaiting trial cases, or pending sentencing cases.
- Must be drug free.
- Valid Level 2 First Aid certificate.
- Willingness to undergo compulsory drug testing if shortlisted.
- Willingness to undergo compulsory competency assessments if shortlisted.
- A recent Name Clearance Certificate from SAPS, not older than 3 months, submitted during the recruitment process.
- Valid Code A motorcycle licence or Code EB driver’s licence will be an advantage.
Skills
- Lifeguarding
- Water rescue
- First aid
- Beach safety
- Public safety awareness
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Emergency response
- Incident reporting
- Public education
- Radio communication
- Patrol duties
- Attention to detail
- Ability to follow procedures
- Professional conduct
